Job description

Games & Digital Asset Sector Manager

Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 3 days onsite, 2 days remote
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 6:00pm
Leave: 25 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
Pension: 19% employer contribution
Additional Benefits: Enhanced family leave, flexible working, special leave provisions

Introduction

This position offers the opportunity to play a pivotal role in advancing the region’s games and digital content industries, spanning virtual production, VFX, 3D animation, immersive media, and emerging real-time technologies.
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading sector initiatives, managing programme budgets, and cultivating strong partnerships both locally and internationally. You will also contribute vital insight to organisational planning and sector strategy, helping to drive measurable economic, skills-based, and creative outcomes.
This role involves close collaboration with internal teams and a broad network of industry stakeholders, and includes representing the organisation at sector events across the UK and abroad. The organisation is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and aims to provide a supportive and inclusive working environment for all staff.

Role Purpose

The Games & Digital Asset Sector Manager will support the strategic growth and development of the region’s digital content industries. Working alongside senior leadership and cross-departmental teams, the postholder will design and oversee sector-focused programmes, develop partnerships, and provide informed analysis to guide investment and policy decisions. The role carries no line management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sector Leadership & Development

Act as the organisation’s lead contact for the games and digital asset sectors, helping identify priorities and shaping investment recommendations.
Guide engagement with studios, creators, and partners to ensure sector activity aligns with wider economic, creative, and skills strategies.
Provide evidence-based insights to support policy development for digital content.
Identify opportunities, challenges, and emerging trends, including real-time engines, AI-driven workflows, virtual production, and immersive technologies.

2. Programme Coordination & Delivery

Support the design, delivery, and evaluation of sector programmes, including training, business support, and promotional initiatives.
Assist with assessing applications for funding, offering recommendations based on technical, creative, and commercial merit.
Monitor programme performance and gather data to inform reporting and continuous improvement.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Industry Liaison

Build and maintain relationships with studios, education providers, funding bodies, and technology partners.
Sustain active links with relevant national and international associations and trade bodies.
Act as a conduit between the sector and internal teams, ensuring industry insights reach the right decision-makers.
Represent the organisation at events, delegations, and forums with support from senior staff when needed.
Encourage a culture of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing.

4. Sector Insight & Intelligence

Track industry developments, emerging technologies, and policy shifts, using findings to inform strategy and programme planning.
Prepare sector reports, briefings, and presentations for internal stakeholders and senior leadership.
Advocate for the sector and contribute to strategic discussions around programme and policy design.
Evaluate programme impact and recommend adjustments to maximise outcomes.

5. Budget & Process Support

Oversee the allocation of sector-related development, production, and skills funding.
Ensure investments offer strong value for money and align with organisational objectives.
Provide analysis and recommendations relating to funding applications and programme performance.
Support financial planning, monitoring, and reporting in line with audit requirements.
Work with Finance, Marketing, Skills, Funding, and Content teams to ensure joined-up delivery.

6. Marketing & Communications Support

Work with the Marketing and Communications team to promote sector activity and support event delivery.
Help identify and share success stories that elevate the profile of the wider digital content sector locally and internationally.

7. General Duties

Uphold the organisation’s values and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Support collaborative working across teams.
Undertake other duties consistent with the scope and level of the role.

Essential Criteria

Candidates must meet one of the following:
Qualifications:

A degree or equivalent qualification (HND, foundation degree, etc.) in games, animation, immersive media, VFX, virtual production, or another digital content discipline
OR
Significant industry experience (typically 3–5 years) demonstrated through project work, technical certifications (e.g., Unreal Engine), a professional portfolio, or relevant training.

Experience & Skills:

Experience delivering or coordinating business development, production, or support programmes in games, digital media, or creative technologies.
Strong understanding of commercial, technical, and creative aspects of digital content production.
Experience liaising with stakeholders across industry, education, or public-sector bodies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present confidently to varied audiences.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Experience monitoring budgets or tracking programme expenditure.

Desirable Criteria

Experience contributing to training or skills-focused programmes.
Familiarity with the creative industries landscape in Northern Ireland.
Awareness of UK and international funding schemes and policy frameworks for digital content.

Games & Digital Asset Sector Manager